The Mahindra Thar has always been more than just a vehicle; it’s an icon, synonymous with adventure, rugged terrain, and a free spirit. Since its original incarnation, the Thar has captured the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. But with the introduction of the Mahindra Thar 5-Door, the legend has taken a bold leap forward—not just in terms of space and practicality, but in its evolving design language. The Thar 5-Door isn’t just an extension of its 3-door sibling; it’s a reimagining that balances rugged heritage with refined sophistication.
The Silhouette That Turned Heads, Now More Majestic
At first glance, the Mahindra Thar 5-Door retains the timeless silhouette that made the original Thar a legend—a long, powerful hood with short overhangs that ensure commanding approach and departure angles. This essential form remains untouched, but what makes the new design stand apart is its grand sense of scale and enhanced presence. The addition of rear doors extends the cabin without compromising its upright, military-inspired stance.
This iconic design has now been elevated to a majestic road presence. With the extra length, the SUV feels more grounded and authoritative, exuding confidence whether it’s cruising through city streets or navigating rugged trails. It’s this balance between heritage and enhancement that defines the 5-door Thar—a bigger, bolder beast that hasn’t forgotten its roots.
A Bold Face That Speaks Volumes
The evolution of the Thar’s design is most striking when viewed head-on. The bold front grille, still familiar in its basic shape, now sits proudly flanked by Bi-LED projector headlamps, giving the SUV a futuristic appeal. The C-shaped DRLs not only frame the headlights with an eye-catching pattern but also enhance visibility in all conditions—a marriage of style and safety.
These refined yet aggressive updates to the face of the Thar suggest a shift toward modern automotive elegance without sacrificing the original’s raw charm. It’s a bold face that declares, “I’m ready for the wild, but I’ll turn heads on the way there.”
Stance and Substance: Angular Arches, Rugged Cladding
Design evolution is often found in the details, and the Mahindra Thar 5-Door excels here. Angular wheel arches lend a purposeful toughness to the vehicle’s side profile, complemented by rugged body cladding that emphasises its off-road readiness. The R19 alloy wheels wrapped in 255/60 All Terrain tyres don’t just look good—they promise real-world capability.
This SUV doesn’t just stand tall; it stands wide, solid, and sure-footed. The larger dimensions allow the Thar 5-Door to command its surroundings while offering better ride stability—function meets fearless form.
Signature Tailgate, Reinvented
Around the back, the side-hinged split tailgate is more than just a functional necessity—it’s a deliberate homage to the Thar’s rugged DNA. The externally mounted spare wheel, another staple of the off-road universe, anchors the design in tradition while adding to its visual muscle. It’s a blend of utility and allure, making the rear end of the Thar 5-Door as compelling as its front.
This signature touch ensures the vehicle remains instantly recognisable while adapting to the needs of modern adventurers who seek more room, more utility, and more character.
The Interior Design
The original Thar interiors were all about minimalism—practical, yes, but not particularly plush. The Thar 5-Door model, however, showcases a quantum leap in interior design. Step inside and you’re greeted by a warm ivory ambience, enhanced with leatherette trims and soft-touch materials. It’s no longer just a cabin; it’s a command centre wrapped in comfort.
The leather-wrapped dashboard, finished in piano black and metallic accents, reflects a new design philosophy that values both durability and aesthetic appeal. The ambient footwell lighting adds a subtle glow, turning night drives into a sophisticated experience.
Where the old Thar was utilitarian, the new interior strikes a harmonious blend of ruggedness and luxury. The low-gloss treatments on AC vents, sturdy dashboard sections, and premium leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever show that Mahindra hasn’t just updated the materials—they’ve evolved the very feel of the Thar.
Colours of Freedom: Seven Shades of Adventure
Every design evolution needs a splash of colour, and Mahindra delivers with seven striking shades that offer a personality for every driver. Whether you prefer the earthy charm of Deep Forest, the purity of Everest White, the vibrance of Tango Red, or the stealth of Burnt Sienna and Stealth Black, there’s a Thar 5-Door for every taste. Battleship Grey and Nebula Blue add a futuristic edge to the mix, ensuring your Thar stands out in a sea of sameness.
Each hue complements the vehicle’s form, making the SUV not just a tool for exploration but a canvas of expression.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar 5-Door represents a landmark in Indian automotive design evolution. It has grown in size, style, and sophistication—but never at the cost of what made it iconic. The long hood, upright stance, rugged details, and now-premium interior are all testaments to Mahindra’s commitment to modernising without compromising. It’s a design icon redefined for a new era.
